It’s election time – a Primary Election with several important positions being decided. Here’s the Tillamook County Pioneer”s “Questions for the Candidates.” This provides our communities with our expanded election coverage and an introduction to the candidates with an unbiased view to compare the candidates side-by-side on important issues. All candidates were provided with the same questions; the questions were provided by a wide variety of Tillamook County residents. If you have other “questions for the candidates” – please forward them to editor@tillamookcountypioneer.net.
Tillamook County Commissioner, Position 3
There are two candidates for this nonpartisan position: Mary Faith Bell (incumbent) and Jeff Spink
Mary Faith Bell (incumbent)
- Why should we vote for you? Give us your 2 minute “elevator speech” – about 250 to 300 words.
I am a Tillamook County Commissioner serving in my second term, running for reelection. I bring to the office a wealth of experience, knowledge, subject matter expertise, relationships, and connections essential to getting things done in Tillamook County.
I am the commissioner liaison to the Tillamook County Library system, Tillamook County Parks, Emergency Management, the Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries (DOGAMI), Tillamook County Citizens Corps Council (TC4), South Tillamook County Emergency Volunteer Corps, Tillamook County Circuit Court, the Sheriff’s Office, the Juvenile Department, the District Attorney’s Office, Tillamook Coast Visitors Association (TCVA), Economic Development Council (EDC), the Small Business Development Center (SBDC), Colombia-Pacific Economic Development District (Col-Pac), Northwest Oregon Housing Authority (NOHA), the Soil and Water Conservation District, Tillamook Bay Community College (TBCC) and the Tillamook County Fair.
I hold leadership roles in these community organizations:
Tillamook Bay Community College Board of Education, chair, 13 years
Economic Development Council of Tillamook County Board of Directors, chair, 7 years
Northwest Oregon Housing Authority Board of Commissioners, vice chair, 7 years
Tides of Change Board of Directors, chair, 3 years
I am a native Oregonian, and I have lived in Tillamook County for 21 years; 11 years in south Tillamook County, and the last 10 years in north county. I raised my son here; he graduated from Tillamook High. Prior to being elected as county commissioner I was the director of communications and marketing for Adventist Health Tillamook, and previous to that I was the editor and general manager of the Tillamook Headlight Herald. Those jobs gave me broad exposure to people and issues in Tillamook County and provided the perfect jumping off point for public service.
My core value is service. Being a commissioner allows me to be broadly of service to everyone in my community and to practice the principles of servant leadership on a daily basis.
- and 3. What are the most important issues facing Tillamook County? How would you solve these issues?
Emergency preparedness: Tillamook County has more declared emergencies than any other Oregon county due in part to the abundance of rivers in our county and the potential for flooding, as well as windstorms, landslides, and resultant damage. Many areas of the county regularly experience power outages and road closures due to storms. Additionally, we live in the shadow of the Cascadia subduction zone off the coast, with the potential to produce a massive earthquake and tsunami. Preparedness for emergencies that are common to our area and for the “big one” is essential to the well-being and resilience of our communities. Developing a sustainable culture of preparedness for our communities is vital, life saving work.
We are making tremendous progress in this area. In the last seven years preparedness work has expanded to every community in Tillamook County with tsunami inundation zones and dynamic public/private partnerships have developed. I am passionate about this work and want to continue it.
Housing: the need for housing has long been on the list of top problems in Tillamook County. We have made significant progress in that area in the past five years with the formation of the Tillamook County Housing Commission, creation of programs to incentivize development of workforce housing, and investment in a housing coordinator to lead the work. As a result, there are approximately 150 new units of housing in Tillamook County, at least that many currently in the pipeline, and more yet in the conceptual stage. What we are doing is unique to Tillamook County and it is successful. I am eager to continue this good work!
Roads: The work of the Tillamook County Road Department is as much about managing water that flows under our roads and managing storm damage as it is about paving. With five major rivers flowing into Tillamook Bay in central Tillamook County, the Nestucca River in the south and the Nehalem River in the north and dozens of creeks, streams and tributaries that feed them, managing water is a unique and expensive challenge for our county. We have 386 miles of county roads and 118 bridges; that is one bridge per every 3 miles of road. Bridges cost millions of dollars to build, repair, and replace. Additionally, we have 4000 culverts. To put that into perspective, Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) is responsible for 40,000 culverts statewide; that means that Tillamook County has 10 percent of the culverts in the state.
Even with state and federal matches for some (but not all) bridges, culverts and storm repairs, the road department budget is stretched paper thin. There are projects and expenses slated over the next five years that exceed anticipated revenue.
The road department used to be well funded by federal timber dollars. As harvest levels declined due to environmental lawsuits and the endangered species act in the 1990s, staffing decreased from 50 to 25 people, and the state of our roads deteriorated until we had the worst roads in the state. In 2013 the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) committed to investing 30 percent of the county Transient Lodging Tax (TLT) revenue to the roads department to shore up funding, and voters passed a $15 million road bond. That combination of funding support was successful, and our roads are now rated in the middle of the pack compared to other counties.
I am committed to maintaining 30 percent TLT funding for roads because we need it there. A mandatory per-mile road usage charge is scheduled to begin phasing in for EV drivers starting Jan. 2027, intended to recover lost gas tax revenue. I would like to work with our state legislators to consider a legislative fix for the fact that revenue for roads is tied to registration; however, almost half of Tillamook County homes are second homes, owned by people whose primary residence and registration is in another county, and that county gets the registration revenues.
Protecting vulnerable citizens: Campaigning for re-election is a great opportunity to talk to people and ask what they think are the most serious problems in the county. This year, for the first time since I have been a commissioner, a number of people have identified vulnerable citizens as their biggest concern. Examples include the growing number of people experiencing food insecurity and seeking food from food banks. The federal government has decreased funding to food banks and decreased food assistance benefits while costs for food, gas and essentials have risen dramatically. At two different community gatherings this month, citizens have asked what the county can do to help food banks meet the growing demands of hungry citizens.
That is a great question. Providing food or funding for food has never been a responsibility of the county, and we don’t have revenue for it. Yet we certainly care. As a board we believe that food is a human right and we don’t want anyone in Tillamook County to go without food. So, what can we do?
Commissioners have the power to convene groups to work on solutions together. I will commit to convening a group to discuss food insecurity and brainstorm solutions. I don’t know what those solutions are yet, but the food systems that we used to rely on to provide for vulnerable people have been reduced by the federal government, and the result is that more local people and families are hungry. Perhaps it is time for us as a community to step up and take on a greater degree of responsibility for feeding our neighbors.
- Tell us what the best things are about Tillamook County.
I fell in love with Tillamook County when I was working at the Headlight Herald. I had written a story about a local homeless man and his cat who were living on Hoquarton Slough. The outpouring of generosity from the community in response to this man’s story was extraordinary. For several weeks people delivered thoughtful gifts at the Headlight Herald office for the man about whom I wrote: lidded waterproof buckets full of camping supplies, shelf stable food, coats, rain gear, sleeping bags, gift cards, bags and bags of cat food, and once, an offer of work. For a while I had 60 pounds of donated cat food stored in the Headlight Herald office broom closet. The newsroom door on Second Street opened, I glanced up from my computer, and in would walk someone looking self-conscious about dropping off a gift for a stranger they read about in the paper. They told me, ‘I’ve never done anything like this before. I just felt like I had to do something.’ They surprised themselves. It happened over and over until I felt like I was witnessing the beating heart of the community.
Around the same time CARE, Inc., was starting an emergency warming center operated entirely by volunteers. At the first volunteer training session 50 local people showed up to volunteer to work shifts for the warming center. The Red Cross trainer looked at our group in amazement, and said, “I did a training like this in Portland recently, and eight people showed up. You have 50. This community should be so proud.”
What I learned from the outpouring of care for the homeless man and the amazing crew of warming center volunteers is that Tillamook County has a huge heart. People care deeply and want to know what they can do to make a difference. We love our neighbors and come together to help one another more than anyplace else I know. That is the best thing about Tillamook County.
- We are experiencing the erosion of morals and trust in our society. What are your guiding morals?
The teachings of Christ. I grew up in the Catholic church. Catholics are Christians, of course, and I consider the teachings of Christ a blueprint for living, at the heart of which is love: love God, love your neighbor as yourself, and love your enemies. Christ calls on us to practice love through acts of service, feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, welcoming the stranger, visiting the prisoner, showing compassion toward the poor, the sick, the marginalized and the rejected because service to vulnerable people is service to God: “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” Matthew 25:40
- Why should citizens trust you, and how would you rebuild trust in government?
I have proven myself to be trustworthy, honest, transparent, and sincere. I don’t have the heart of a politician, but rather, that of a servant leader. I have proven myself to be human, imperfect, striving for improvement, which tends to make me more trustworthy. People trust me because I listen, I work to connect with people where they are, and to offer my support.
- How do you think you can make a difference?
I am already making a difference as a county commissioner in the lives of people, in their businesses, in emergency preparedness, in county government, in employee morale, in housing, education and support for the arts. Sometimes I can solve problems for people and make a tangible difference, and other times I make someone feel better than they did before they talked to me. They walk away lighter, feeling heard, supported, uplifted. I am asking for your vote in order to continue making a difference in our community.
- Speaking of differences, government and politics are more divided than ever, how will you work across the aisle, with others that have differing views?
Tillamook County Commissioner is a non-partisan office, as it should be; each of us represents all of the county. It is my job and my nature to connect with people. I am genuinely interested in people and what matters to them. I listen carefully and lean in, across the table, across the aisle, and focus on what I have in common with people. As a faithful person, I look for God in people. I am far more interested in shared values than I am in the things that separate us. Shared values are the fertile ground for meaningful work and connection.
- What are your three favorite books?
I drive a lot for work, and I take advantage of my driving time listening to audio books. I would like to share my three favorite audio books so far this year, starting with Tattoos on the Heart: the Power of Boundless Compassion by Father Gregory Boyle, Jesuit priest, and founder of Homeboy Industries in Los Angeles, CA. Homeboy Industries is a gang intervention, rehabilitation, and reentry program. Tattoos on the Heart is the story of the ministry and the true stories of the gang members whose lives have been turned around and saved, and others whose lives were lost. The book is inspiring, funny, heartbreaking, and ultimately uplifting. The message is two-fold: that people need honest work in order to flourish, and that healing happens in the context of kinship, community, and compassion. It is a beautiful testimony to the teachings of Christ without being preachy. The book is truly a marvel. The audible version narrated by the author is wonderful.
The second is a This is Happiness, by Irish novelist Niall Williams. This book is beautifully written, lyrical, gorgeous, hilarious, charming, a coming-of-age novel set in the 1950s in a rural Irish village awaiting the coming of electricity. The story line (warning, it is slow, as life in the fictional village of Faha is slow) is a vehicle for the fabulous cast of characters and a dazzling variety of love and loss – young love, doomed love, the deep sustenance of elderly married love, unrequited love, the love of elders for the young and vice versa, abandoned love, hope-sustaining love, the interminable regret of squandered love, and grief that bruises the love that comes after. Reading this book is happiness, and listening to the audio version narrated by Dermot Crowley in his delightful Irish brogue is a joy.
Third is Wolf Hall, by Hilary Mantel. Wolf Hall, a Man Booker prize-winning historical fiction novel about the reign of King Henry VIII and his advisor Thomas Cromwell during the Tudor period in 16th-century England is in my top ten favorite books. I reread it every five years or so for the pure pleasure of it. Better yet, Wolf Hall is the first book in a trilogy of extraordinary novels. Having read it several times, I was intrigued by a glowing review of the 2020 audio version narrated by Royal Shakespearean Company actor Ben Miles. I had not listened to Wolf Hall previously, and I tell you, it is wonderful! I can’t wait to get back in my truck.
- What are your hobbies and interests?
My hobbies and interests include reading, writing, baking, gardening, hiking, fishing, wild places, and the company of dogs.
- Tell us about a significant time in your life and how it impacted your life.
In 2016 I was diagnosed with breast cancer. It was a time of extraordinary fear and anxiety, and preemptive grief for everyone and everything I did not want to lose. I was young, not ready to die. In the months between diagnosis and surgery I pondered whether I had accomplished my purpose in life. Had I done the things I was meant to do? Or had I put important things off, assuming I would have more time?
There were gifts in cancer beyond survival. I received the gift of clarity in terms of what I want to do with whatever time is left to me. A shedding of distractions and a sharpening of focus. I felt like a distilled version of myself, concentrated.
I learned how much I was loved. We don’t always know until something happens. I was surrounded and supported by family, friends, and coworkers to such a degree that I felt carried by love through the trauma of cancer. I experienced it as grace beyond measure.
In the wake of cancer, I wanted the rest of my life to be about service, service to my community, to my friends and family, to my fellow humans. I wanted to be of service broadly, in new ways, which led me to consider running for the office of county commissioner. The love and support I received when I had cancer showed me that if I wanted to run for office, I would have abundant help. I am deeply grateful to say that this has proven absolutely true. I am so blessed.
- Please write a haiku about Spring.
Big, black bumblebees
Guarding lily-white blossoms
Dive bombing my head
Jeff Spink
As a Tillamook County resident, veteran and small business leader, I bring to the table a record of service, accountability and practical problem-solving.
After serving honorably in the U.S. Air Force, I built a successful career in business management and sales by building relationships and trust. These relationships give me firsthand insight into the challenges faced by working families, small business, and rural communities.
I believe in a county government that listens, operates transparently, with focus on local priorities — not outside mandates. I am running for Tillamook County Commissioner to ensure that local voices help shape the future of our county.
My priorities:
● Strengthen economic development
● Protect property rights
● Support fair and reasonable taxation
● Advocate for veterans and first responders
● Advocate for seniors and working families
● Advocate for mental health services
● Ensure open and accountable leadership
Tillamook County faces complex challenges: Revenue shortfalls, a shrinking tax base, environmental regulations, infrastructure needs, and ongoing state legislative pressures that affect growth and development. Addressing these issues requires steady leadership, practical decision-making and fiscal responsibility.
My decision approach is simple:
● How does it affect residents?
● How does it impact taxpayers?
● How does it benefit Tillamook County as a whole?
Leadership should be grounded in service — not politics. I am committed to working thoughtfully and deliberately to move our county forward.
I would be honored to be your voice, your seat at the table.
Think Spink
2 & 3) Many interlinked issues face Tillamook County: Budget, Housing, Roads, Skilled Workforce,
Jobs. No simple solutions to any of these issues. As the county moves to a Central Services model
with the hopes of improving and simplifying customer service and reducing redundancy to save money.
The BOC needs to continue to look for equitable tax and/or fee based revenue streams. As County
Commissioner I will advocate for business development, streamline the permitting process to help
increase an affordable housing pool. I’m an advocate for family wage skilled workforce. With that
comes the buying power that helps the local economy with increased purchase of goods and services.
A strong workforce will need homes, businesses will need expansion, increasing the tax base from
undeveloped properties into developed properties. Think of it as trickle up economics.
4) I enjoy the natural environment from the ocean beaches to the mountains and the recreation that
goes with it. The rural hometown feeling. The cohesiveness of communities during difficult times. A
true sense of community.
5) My morals are framed within my Christian beliefs. After many years in therapy dealing with
personal issues, I learned that my spiritual side was closed off, untapped. We are spiritual beings
and learning how to tap into the spiritual part of my being made all the difference. Having a
balance with mind, body, soul has made life a lot easier to deal with the problems that come your
way.
6) People like and trust me, I’m approachable. I learned at an early age that integrity is
everything, once you lose your integrity you have nothing. People are skeptical about the
government. As Commissioner I will make a weekly effort to meet with groups and citizens in their
communities throughout the county.
7) I think I will make a difference with the BOC based on my many and varied career paths and life
experiences. I bring private business experience with an engineer’s mindset. I have a tendency to
fix stuff.
8) I deal with people from all walks of life on a daily basis. I try to put myself in the other
person’s shoes and attempt to see our differences through their eyes. We may not always agree but I
treat everyone with respect, empathy and dignity. I have
campaign signs in D’s, R’s, NAV’s and others yards. I consider myself a bridge builder.
9) My three favorite books: The Stand, The Naked Communist, Personality Types – Using The Enneagram
for Self Discovery. These plus the Bible are the ones I talk about the most.
10) I enjoy cycling, working out, running, hiking, golf, water fowl hunting, competitive shooting,
automobile racing, reading and walks on the beach – really.
11) The most significant growth experience in my life is when I had my breakthrough during a
retreat with my therapy group. It’s hard to explain in writing, but for me it was like one would
think of as an exorcism. I literally collapsed in a convulsing ball. It was like all my
psychological poison left my body and a door opened to connect me with my soul and spirituality.
Even though life never changes, how I deal with it does. Life is good.
12) Spring
Blue, green, fresh, rebirth Birds, bees, children, symphony
Nature washed anew